Employment Specialist in St Helens

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team, in collaboration with The Growth Company (GC), is recruiting an Employment Specialist to support participants in drug and alcohol treatment through the Recovery Works programme. The role focuses on using a multi‐channel, multi‐agency approach to help individuals enter, sustain, and progress in employment. The substance misuse programme is an evidence-based employment intervention designed to help people with drug and alcohol dependencies secure and maintain paid work. Fully integrated within treatment services, IPS Employment Specialists provide tailored job‐seeking support, career guidance, and ongoing in‐work assistance for both participants and employers.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 24 clients motivated to start/return to work using the IPS approach.
• Create Vocational Profiles and Action Plans to help clients achieve sustainable employment.
• Assist with job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques, and career development.
• Build relationships with clinical teams to generate referrals and promote employment.
• Attend weekly team meetings and provide ongoing support after employment is secured.
• Ensure accurate documentation and assess client needs related to work, including benefits/welfare advice.
• Source job opportunities through tailored searches and employer contacts.
• Educate and support employers to ensure job retention.

About you

• A warm, approachable style to delivery is required in order to build relationships and rapport.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiating skills.
• Ability to work in a target-driven environment, with a focus on the successful achievement of job outcomes and sustained outcomes.
• Developing knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs.

Skills required

• Deliver one-to-one and group sessions to at least Grade 2 standard.
• Understand issues affecting individuals with multiple barriers to employment.
• Expertise in support agencies for complex needs (e.g., debt, substance misuse, housing).
• Place customers into suitable and sustained employment.
• Knowledge in guidance, advice, and counselling environments.
• Experience with disabled people or similar client groups in substance use treatment, health, social services, or the voluntary sector.
• High-level guidance skills for one-to-one and group sessions.
• Experience with people with multiple and complex needs, including health conditions and disabilities.

We are currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits or visas. Therefore, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK. At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.

Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.